LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The West Alabama men's soccer team enters the 2026 season looking to take another step forward under head coach Ross Nelson, who enters his eighth season at the helm of the Tigers.

West Alabama finished the 2025 campaign with a 5-8-2 overall record and a 5-5-1 mark in Gulf South Conference play. The Tigers were selected sixth in the 2026 GSC Preseason Poll and will look to improve upon last season's finish as they prepare for another competitive conference campaign.

A large group of newcomers will provide new energy to the Tigers' roster, including three players who earned recognition on the GSC Newcomers Watchlist: defender Jack Porter, forward Yabsira Cobo and midfielder Florian Laot.

Porter joins West Alabama from Carlisle United's U18 academy. The English defender gained experience within one of England's professional youth systems and adds depth to the Tigers' defensive corps.

Cobo comes to Livingston following an extensive club career with Luarca CF in Spain. Over six seasons, the Gijón native logged 7,777 minutes and scored 12 goals. His experience overseas gives the Tigers another attacking option heading into the new season.

Laot joins the Tigers after competing for OC Cesson in France. The midfielder appeared in 22 matches over two seasons, making five starts and totaling 618 minutes. His technical experience in the French club system adds another option to West Alabama's midfield.

The trio is part of a 15-player recruiting class that also includes several players with collegiate experience. Ethan Sharpe, a junior defender from England, transfers from Copiah-Lincoln Community College after appearing in 30 matches across two seasons. In 2025, Sharpe started all 16 matches, scoring one goal and adding an assist, with his lone goal coming as a game winner.

Goalkeeper Dan Erez joins the Tigers from Hapoel Tel Aviv's U19 squad in Israel. Erez made 12 starts over two seasons, totaling 1,053 minutes and 22 saves. Fellow newcomer Ammar Nazih adds collegiate experience to the midfield after playing 16 matches with 14 starts at Pellissippi State Community College last season. The Knoxville native recorded two goals and two assists for six points.

Up front, Daniele Ciarlesi brings an extensive club résumé from Germany. Ciarlesi appeared in 26 matches last season, scoring eight goals and recording an assist. Across his club career, he has totaled 64 appearances, 21 goals and three assists.

Jesper Jorgensen Bakli also joins the Tigers with collegiate experience after two seasons at San Jose State. Bakli appeared in 19 matches, making two starts, while recording one goal and two assists. All three of his collegiate shots were on target. Before his time at San Jose State, he competed for Harstad and Mjølner in Norway, scoring four goals in 15 club matches.

While the newcomers will bring additional depth and experience, the Tigers will also rely on several key returners from last season's squad.

Leading the attack is senior forward David Nunez, who enters the season as one of West Alabama's most accomplished offensive players. Nunez was named First Team All-GSC and earned D2CCA Second Team All-Region recognition following the 2025 campaign. He started all 15 matches last season and led the Tigers with 10 goals in 1,254 minutes, recording multiple-goal performances against Lee and Delta State.

Nunez also recorded three game-winning goals against Lee, Spring Hill and Delta State while earning GSC Player of the Week honors on Sept. 23, 2025.

The Gijón, Spain, native has been a consistent offensive contributor throughout his UWA career. After three seasons, Nunez has appeared in 45 matches with 38 starts, totaling 19 goals, 10 assists and 48 points on 83 shots, including 44 shots on goal. He arrived at West Alabama as the 2023 GSC Freshman of the Year and earned GSC Freshman of the Week honors twice during his first season.

Defensively, graduate defender and team captain Oisin Griffin returns after a strong 2025 campaign. Griffin started all 15 matches last season, logging 1,321 minutes while playing at least 90 minutes in 12 contests. He also recorded three assists and earned a spot on the GSC Honor Roll.

The Tigers will also look for continued development from a number of younger returners. Sophomore midfielder Gabriel Capocci appeared in 10 matches and made one start as a freshman, totaling 180 minutes and recording an assist while earning GSC Honor Roll recognition.

Sophomore defender Luke Jovanovich saw action in three matches last season and scored his first collegiate goal against Trevecca Nazarene on Sept. 19. Jovanovich also earned GSC Honor Roll recognition.

Benicio Aronow returns after appearing in eight matches with two starts as a freshman. The midfielder recorded one shot while playing 191 minutes.

Senior midfielder Kevin Garcia also returns to the Tigers' midfield. Garcia appeared in six matches with one start last season, totaling 73 minutes. He has also earned GSC Honor Roll recognition throughout his career, including in 2024 and 2025.

With a blend of experienced returners and 15 newcomers, West Alabama enters the 2026 season looking to improve upon its 2025 campaign and climb the GSC standings. Nelson and the Tigers will look to establish their identity early as the newcomers integrate with a returning core that includes preseason All-GSC selections Nunez and Griffin.

The 2026 season will provide West Alabama with another opportunity to compete for a spot at the top of the Gulf South Conference, as the Tigers begin their pursuit of a stronger finish in Nelson's eighth season leading the program.